How to grow Pereskia? Detailed guide to cultivation methods and precautions
Pereskia, also known as Qilin palm, is a plant in the cactus family, genus Pereskia. It is cultivated in Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, Taiwan, China, Zhejiang and southern Jiangsu in our country. So, do you know the cultivation methods and precautions for Pereskia?
1. Cultivation methods and precautions for Pereskia
1. Pereskia has strong drought resistance, is not afraid of intense sunlight and exposure, tolerates poor soil, and has no strict requirements for soil, but it needs sandy soil with good drainage and aeration, and is relatively cold-tolerant and heat-tolerant.
2. Propagation methods
(1) Cuttings
Pereskia is mainly propagated by cuttings using stems or leaves. In autumn, cut 2-year-old or 1-year-old young branches into cuttings about 10cm long; the cut end can be dipped in plant ash or cigarette ash to prevent rot. It must be inserted into pure sandy soil with a leaf node, about 3cm deep. After insertion, keep the pot soil and environment moist, and roots will form at the node in about half a month. In the autumn of the 2nd year, it can be used for grafting or shaping. Propagating with stem cuttings produces seedlings faster than with leaves.
(2) Grafting
Pereskia has strong compatibility with Schlumbergera, rat-tail cactus, Christmas cactus and small globular cacti, and can survive quickly. In recent years, it has gradually replaced cactus and become the ideal rootstock for these plants. Pereskia has a relatively developed root system and a long lifespan, and is relatively adaptable to adverse environments such as cold, heat, dryness and wetness. It can ensure the vigorous vitality of the entire grafted seedling, making the branches emerald green, with many flowers, and a long ornamental period, greatly improving the ornamental value of Schlumbergera, thereby avoiding the occurrence of yellowing and wilting of Schlumbergera branches and stems or rotting or aging of the rootstock caused by using cactus pads or three-ribbed arrow (Hylocereus undatus) as rootstock due to few roots and insufficient nutrition.
During the cultivation of Pereskia, it should be noted that watering should not be excessive, and water should not accumulate. Fertilizer can be applied once a month, using animal manure water or other compound fertilizer.